Navy apprehends 15 persons for engaging in illegal fishing activates

During routine patrols conducted in the sea areas of Palliyawasalapadu and Kallaru, the Navy held 15 persons for engaging in illegal fishing activates on 10^th October 2019.

Accordingly, the Northwestern Naval Command, during a patrol carried out in Palliyawasalapadu sea area, apprehended 05 persons for engaging in fishing without valid license. The suspects have been identified as residents of Kalpitiya, from 29 to 42 years of age. Two (02) dinghies and 02 outboard motors used for fishing activities were also seized by the Navy.

The apprehended persons along with fishing gear were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Puttalam for onward investigation.

Meanwhile, 10 persons who were fishing in Kallaru sea area, Mannar using unauthorized fishing nets were also held by the Northwestern Naval Command. The apprehended persons are residents of Valathottam and Kalpitiya, from 30 to 43 years of age. Apart from the suspects 02 dinghies, 02 outboard motors, 1,300kg of illegally caught fish and 02 unauthorized fishing nets were also seized.

The suspects along with the stock of fish and other fishing gear were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for further action.